Event Details

Join us for an inspiring talk with Barrie Wells MBE — entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of the Barrie Wells Trust, and Leader in Residence at Lancaster University Management School.

With a distinguished career spanning Blue Chip and SME sectors, Barry has led international business strategy, driven market growth, and influenced policy at a governmental level. An expert in optimising operations, fostering innovation, and empowering teams, Barry’s insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and global business promise an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry's most visionary leaders.

Barrie Wells MBE is a successful entrepreneur, world-travelling Olympic supporter and one of the UK’s most generous philanthropists. Raised in Liverpool and educated at Merchant Taylors’ School, Barrie built and sold two groundbreaking insurance businesses—Prospero Direct (AXA Direct) and Premierline Direct (sold to Allianz)—before dedicating his time and resources to supporting elite British athletes and seriously ill children.

As founder of the Barrie Wells Trust, Barrie personally funded 20 Team GB medal contenders ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, including Jessica Ennis-Hill, Beth Tweddle, and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. He created the Athletes4Schools programme to inspire over 35,000 children nationwide and has supported athletes globally in their training and competitions.

He is also the visionary behind Box4Kids, which transforms executive boxes at major sporting and entertainment venues into unforgettable VIP experiences for seriously ill and disabled children. Over 200 companies, venues and clubs—including The Jockey Club, Farnborough Airshow, 02 Arena, AO Arena and virtually all Premier League clubs now support the scheme. His work has been praised in The Times and recognised with numerous honours including an MBE (2020), an honorary doctorate, a Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister and a Chairman’s Award at the British Sports Journalism Awards 2022.

Barrie is a long-standing Leader in Residence at LUMS, but also lectures regularly to MBAs at universities around the world such as New York, Singapore, Trieste, Gdansk and he is flying out to speak in Taipei a week after talking at Lancaster. His story is one of problem solving, creativity, disruption, energy, impact and a deep commitment to making a difference by giving his cash away in his own lifetime.

Registration: 5.15pm - 5.55pm

Presentation with Q&A: 6.00pm - 7.30pm